Electrical - heating question
From what I recall a boiler needs a dedicated circuit? Does it have to be hard wired or is a cord allowed? Are such rules covered by NEC or are they usually local?
Is that circuit allowed to have a receptacle installed on it for use with other heating related accessories?
Comments
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I am no electrician… Some of my customers were shocked about that…. But if I were to install a circulator pump on that system, and perhaps there were some high limits and perhaps a thermostat relay to bring on each bank of electric elements and the circ. pump and perhaps a set of alarm contacts to signal a failure to a remote location, That would all be part of the electrical system that the dedicated line would service.
I mught even go as far as including zone valves and zone valve controls on that same circuit. Once all those components source back to the dedicated circuit electrical feed, I see no reason that the proper voltage/amperage supply cord and power outlet could no be incorporated at that location.
I guess it would depend on the size of the electric boiler system, and the power requirements and of course the AHJ. But I would be glad to just plug that thing in. This leaves all the heating and hydronic components out of the realm of the electrical inspector His inspection coverage stops at the supply outlet. What you plug into that outlet is not their responsibility. It is all on YOU!
But I could be wrong on this point. (a rare occasion) but I think Im right on this. 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 LOL
Edward Young Retired
After you make that expensive repair and you still have the same problem, What will you check next?
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No
But you do contain a huge amount of info.
Single pipe quasi-vapor system. Typical operating pressure 0.14 - 0.43 oz. EcoSteam ES-20 Advanced Control for Residential Steam boilers. Rectorseal Steamaster water treatment
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A dedicated circuit? Yes.
Cord and plug? Yes. Many mod/cons come with a cord.
Other ancillary components? Yes.
Bob Boan
You can choose to do what you want, but you cannot choose the consequences.
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dedicated YES
Cord and plug is a local thing.
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It is all in the electrical section of the residential code. I believe it is only central heating equipment that requires a dedicated circuit. Receptacles for accessories and the required receptacle for maintenance can be on that circuit.
The code doesn't prohibit it from being cord and plug connected but you have to look at the instructions of the appliance, it may or may not be listed to be cord and plug connected. Even if it is not in most jurisdictions i don't think they will flag it for being connected with a twistlock so you can unplug it and plug it in to a generator. The receptacles will usually need to be gfci protected.
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Matt covered it well. GFCI protection (code section 210.8) requirement for accessory outlet based on location only. Basement, yes; attic, no; etc. This section of the code changes regularly and now includes up to 250v outlets but think it’s still defined “wet” areas.
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Based on my experience and being soaked in sweat id think the attic may be more important.
Single pipe quasi-vapor system. Typical operating pressure 0.14 - 0.43 oz. EcoSteam ES-20 Advanced Control for Residential Steam boilers. Rectorseal Steamaster water treatment1 -
2017 NEC
Article 400 ● Flexible cords and Flexible cables400.10 Uses Permitted.
(A) Uses. Flexible cords and flexible cables shall be used only for the following:
(1) Pendants.
(2) Wiring of luminaires.
(3) Connection of portable luminaires, portable and mobile signs, or appliances.
(4) Elevator cables.
(5) Wiring of cranes and hoists.
(6) Connection of utilization equipment to facilitate frequent interchange.
(7) Prevention of the transmission of noise or vibration.
(8) Appliances where the fastening means and mechanical
connections are specifically designed to permit ready
removal for maintenance and repair, and the appliance is
intended or identified for flexible cord connection.
(9) Connection of moving parts.
(10) Where specifically permitted elsewhere in this Code.
(11) Between an existing receptacle outlet and an inlet, where
the inlet provides power to an additional single receptacle
outlet. The wiring interconnecting the inlet to the single
receptacle outlet shall be a Chapter 3 wiring method. The
inlet, receptacle outlet, and Chapter 3 wiring method,
including the flexible cord and fittings, shall be a listed
assembly specific for this application.For the most part, I would say if the appliance did not come with a power cord from the OEM, the intent is it should be hard wired. Garbage disposals are an example where it (at least historically) it has been either way, since you can buy them either way.
National - U.S. Gas Boiler 45+ Years Old
Steam 300 SQ. FT. - EDR 347
One Pipe System
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This would be all appliances:
(3) Connection of portable luminaires, portable and mobile signs, or appliances.
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2017 NEC
Is individual the same as dedicated ?
National - U.S. Gas Boiler 45+ Years Old
Steam 300 SQ. FT. - EDR 347
One Pipe System1 -
sort of. it wouldn't prevent multiple pieces of equipment from sharing a circuit but other loads can't be on that circuit(s)
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but the first section will have a definition of "individual branch circuit"
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2017 NEC
National - U.S. Gas Boiler 45+ Years Old
Steam 300 SQ. FT. - EDR 347
One Pipe System1 -
A boiler company technician I was troubleshooting with once asked me if the boiler was plugged into an outlet or hardwired. He said that he sees a lot of bad grounds on plugs and even some have no grounds at all.
8.33 lbs./gal. x 60 min./hr. x 20°ΔT = 10,000 BTU's/hour
Two btu per sq ft for degree difference for a slab0 -
I think that's GROUNDS for divorce. For the boiler that is.
Edward Young Retired
After you make that expensive repair and you still have the same problem, What will you check next?
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I think you should be called the Rascal in Residence.
8.33 lbs./gal. x 60 min./hr. x 20°ΔT = 10,000 BTU's/hour
Two btu per sq ft for degree difference for a slab
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I bet the bad ground is on the receptacle, not the connection of the ground prong to the receptacle, either 2 wire romex or no wire bonding the device to the box or a bonding type device
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As far as the question of hardwired versus cord and plug you would have to look at the product listing. As others have mentioned some Mod Cons are cord connected
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If hard wired, the boiler must have a disconnect at the boiler or if the panel breaker is the disconnect, the boiler must be line of sight from the panel, as I recall.
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If something is cord and plug connected the plug can serve as the disconnecting means. Washers, driers, stoves etc
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The NEC disconnect can be a switch on/near, at least in-sight-of, the equipment. Most burner instructions (and every burner tech I met) require a disconnect within reach of the service side.
1
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